JC Ramirez

Ramirez made 20 relief appearances between the Mariners and Diamondbacks last season, failing to impress at either stop. He was better at Triple-A Tacoma (2.50 ERA) and Triple-A Reno (2.88), but he st...

Ramirez was converted to a reliever last season after failing to develop as a starter. He has lacked a solid secondary pitch throughout his time in the minors, so a conversion to relief was inevitable. His fastball reaches the high-90s, but his 7.65 K/9IP at Triple-A last season says this isn't an overpowering reliever. Ramirez is still just 24 years old, so there is some time left to develop, but his window may be closing soon.

2012

Ramirez really took a step back last season as he struggled all year to develop a consistent secondary offering. His strikeout rate dropped as the Phillies had him trying to pitch to contact. Ramirez has a big fastball that reaches the high-90s, but since he offers little else he struggles to put hitters away. The Phillies will convert him to a relief role this season in order to try to get something out of Ramirez.

2011

Based on last year's numbers, Ramirez was the best prospect the Phillies obtained from the Mariners in the Cliff Lee trade. He was a combined 7-7 with a 4.82 ERA and a 115:41 K:BB ratio in 142 innings between High-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading. Ramirez put up those solid numbers despite pitching most of last season with a torn labrum in his hip. Ramirez underwent surgery in September and is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2011 season. He'll likely be back at Reading to start the year but could see time at Triple-A in the second half of the season if he gets off to a good start.

2010

The Phillies acquired Ramirez in the trade that sent Cliff Lee to Seattle. Ramirez, 21, spent last season at High-A where he posted a 111:53 K:BB ratio in 142.1 innings. He struggled with the long ball and saw his K:9 ratio decrease from the year prior leaving some to question whether he is better suited for the bullpen long term. The Phillies like his upside and will keep him in the rotation for now. He could begin the year back at High-A.